Polycarbonate vs ASA

Compare Polycarbonate and ASA filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

Polycarbonate vs ASA: Polycarbonate is known for very tough and stiff, while ASA is known for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely). ASA is easier to print; Polycarbonate prints at higher nozzle temperatures (260-310°C vs 220-275°C). Choose Polycarbonate for very tough and stiff, or ASA for excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).

Key differences at a glance

Property
Polycarbonate
ASA
Nozzle temp
260-310°C
220-275°C
Bed temp
90-120°C
90-110°C
Enclosure needed
Required
Recommended
Ease of printing
Difficult
Moderate
Moisture sensitivity
high
moderate

Polycarbonate

B

PC

Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA

ASA

A

Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate

Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface

Detailed Comparison

Property
Polycarbonate
ASA
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PC
ASA
Nozzle Temp
260-310°C
220-275°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
90-110°C
Enclosure
required
recommended
Cooling
Low cooling
Low to moderate; avoid drafts
Moisture Sensitivity
high
moderate

Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.

Strengths Comparison

Polycarbonate Strengths

  • Very tough and stiff; doesn't shatter like PLA
  • High heat resistance (~150C softening region)

ASA Strengths

  • Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely), tough, matte surface
  • Less warping than ABS; low viscosity enables very high speed printing
  • High heat tolerance (~boiling water range)

Considerations

Polycarbonate Caveats

  • Often overkill and high effort for typical use

ASA Caveats

  • Still off-gasses; enclosure/ventilation recommended
  • Can still warp; needs tuning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Polycarbonate and ASA?
Polycarbonate prints at 260-310°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed (Required enclosure, high moisture sensitivity). ASA prints at 220-275°C nozzle / 90-110°C bed (Recommended enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is Polycarbonate or ASA stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, Polycarbonate is suited to very tough and stiff, while ASA is suited to excellent uv resistance (outdoors indefinitely).
Which prints at a higher temperature, Polycarbonate or ASA?
Polycarbonate prints at a higher temperature (260-310°C nozzle vs 220-275°C for ASA).
Is Polycarbonate or ASA better for beginners?
ASA is better for beginners: enclosure is recommended and moisture sensitivity is moderate, vs required enclosure and high moisture for Polycarbonate.
Should I use Polycarbonate or ASA for outdoor use?
For outdoor use, ASA is usually the better fit (Excellent UV resistance (outdoors indefinitely)). Choose Polycarbonate instead when very tough and stiff.

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